Starkey Hearing Foundation Marks a Decade of Impact with Campus Expansion and Graduates in Zambia

Celebrating a Decade of Hearing Care Education in Zambia

Last week, the Starkey Hearing Foundation welcomed a significant milestone as it celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia. The event not only marked a decade of impactful training for hearing healthcare professionals but also highlighted the recent expansions of the Institute’s campus and the graduation of its latest cohort.

The multi-day celebration kicked off with a heartwarming hearing care initiative that provided nearly 300 individuals with hearing aids, demonstrating the Foundation's commitment to enhancing accessibility to hearing healthcare across the African continent. This initiative was capped off with a graduation ceremony honoring 24 new graduates, the latest group of trained professionals who are prepared to make a substantial difference in their communities.

Distinguished guests, including Ministry of Health representatives, philanthropist and musician Innoss'B, and CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, attended the festivities in Lusaka. As the graduates were celebrated, the impact of the Institute on Zambia and beyond was further emphasized. Since its inception in 2015, the Starkey Hearing Institute has trained a total of 147 hearing healthcare professionals from 19 different African nations, empowering these graduates to provide essential hearing services to countless individuals.

Richard S. Brown, President and Board Chair of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, remarked, "This milestone celebration, shared with our graduates and dedicated supporters, is our mission in action as we continue to actively provide care. We take immense pride in what we've accomplished over the past decade and look forward to achieving even greater impacts in the future - so the world may hear."

The Starkey Hearing Institute operates under the WFA® Community-Based Hearing Healthcare Model, which not only strengthens health systems but also develops local leaders and expands access to necessary services in areas where they are most needed. Following the success of the Zambia campus, the Foundation has launched new Institutes in the Philippines and El Salvador, with plans for further expansion.

With global estimates indicating that over 430 million individuals experience disabling hearing loss, and that number is projected to increase significantly in Africa by 2050, the demand for skilled hearing care professionals has never been greater. The Starkey Hearing Foundation is addressing this urgent challenge through its scalable, community-led training programs, which equip local healthcare providers with the skills needed to deliver high-quality services.

In conclusion, the Starkey Hearing Foundation not only commemorates a decade of transformative work through the Starkey Hearing Institute but also paves the way for a future where hearing healthcare is accessible for all. With ongoing growth and innovation, the Foundation's mission of 'Giving the Gift of Hearing' continues to resonate across borders, inspiring hope and changing lives for millions in need.

For more information about Starkey Hearing Foundation and its initiatives, please visit their official website or contact their media representative.